A blood film examination result of a 52-year-old man indicated trophozoite stage of P.falciparum, decreased blood hemoglobin level and reduced total RBC. The laboratory technologist also observed red urine. What is the most likely urine parameter associated with the above findings? a. Hemoglobin b. Myoglobin C. Glucose d. Bilirubin
The most likely urine parameter associated with the above findings is d. Bilirubin.
In the given scenario, the presence of trophozoite stage of P.falciparum in the blood film examination indicates a malarial infection. Malarial infection can lead to the destruction of red blood cells (RBCs), resulting in a decreased blood hemoglobin level and reduced total RBC count.
The observation of red urine suggests the presence of hemoglobinuria (the presence of hemoglobin in the urine) or hematuria (the presence of red blood cells in the urine). In this case, the likely cause of the red urine is hemoglobinuria, which occurs when hemoglobin is released from the destroyed RBCs into the bloodstream and subsequently filtered by the kidneys.
Bilirubin is a breakdown product of hemoglobin metabolism. Increased hemolysis of RBCs leads to an increase in bilirubin production. The elevated levels of bilirubin can then be excreted through the urine, causing bilirubinuria. Therefore, the presence of hemoglobinuria and red urine in this case suggests that the most likely urine parameter associated with the findings is d. Bilirubin.